Joseph P. Martin Jr., 68, developer, mall manager

April 01, 2004

Joseph Pentz Martin Jr., a developer who managed the old Harundale Mall many years ago, died of congestive heart failure March 25 at the College Manor nursing home in Lutherville. The Riderwood resident was 68.

Mr. Martin lived in Thorntonwood, a townhouse community he helped develop nearly 25 years ago.

Born in Baltimore and raised in Homeland, he attended Friends School and was a 1953 graduate of St. Paul's School, where he played lacrosse. He attended the Johns Hopkins University and the University of Georgia, and was a member of Delta Phi fraternity.

He served in the Navy and later in the Maryland National Guard as a reservist.

After joining the Rouse Co. about 45 years ago, Mr. Martin managed Harundale Mall on Ritchie Highway. He later worked for Rouse's mortgage division.

About 35 years ago, he founded Martin Properties, based at the Village of Cross Keys. He developed a townhouse community in San Francisco, a convenience store in Easton on the Eastern Shore and a mixed-use development in North Carolina.

"He was probably the most creative storyteller I've ever known," said Ralph DeGroff, a friend for more than six decades. "As his stories got a little stale, he would make them more creative. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone."

Mr. Martin had an ownership in thoroughbred horses. He often vacationed at Harbour Island, Bahamas.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul's chapel, 11152 Falls Road, Brooklandville.